How to Apply for a Job in a New Field

You’re poking around while job searching and there it is: the dream position.

But, before you can get too excited, you see the requirements. At first glance, based on your degree or work experience, this role looks out of reach. Before you give up, though, know that’s not always the end of the story.

No one wants to waste their time applying for a role one have no shot at. (Hiring managers don’t want to waste their time either.) However, there’s a difference between not being qualified and having strong transferable skills that you’re not even aware of.

Here’s how someone who wants to change careers can decipher between the two:

Few people appreciate the full scope of what they bring to the table. Get started by listing as many of your experiences, skills, accolades, and past wins as possible.

Go beyond standard resume blurbs like “fluent in SQL” or “graduate of FIT.” (Don’t self-censor; you can pare back later.) Ask yourself:

What good things would past supervisors and co-workers say about me? What about friends, mentors, or professors? Who else thinks I’m awesome—and why?

How have I contributed measurable results in the past?

How have I contributed beyond what’s easy to measure? Am I a natural leader? Have I served on a company culture committee? Have I won awards?

What have I accomplished that is generally seen as badass (even if it seems unrelated to the role)?

How have I failed spectacularly in the past? Count this as a win too, because a willingness to stick your neck out can be a win if positioned properly (this is especially true in tech).

What might my prospective company need based on its unique situation (maturity, industry, stated objectives, culture, employee demographics, competitors, trends) that I might be able to provide, even if it’s outside the official job description?

To get the full story of what your dream role entails—and get a better sense of if you could actually do it—speak with friends (or friends of friends) who excel in positions similar to the one you want.

To get beyond the job description, ask a lot of questions. Some good ones include, “What do the very best people in this role do that the average ones don’t?” and “What’s required of this role that [company] wouldn’t actually say out loud?” Sniff for the unspoken (and potentially more important) requirements.

If you can demonstrate a better understanding of the role and company than other candidates, discrepancies in experience will matter less (within reason). I’d rather hire a comparatively less experienced person who really gets it than a more experienced candidate who doesn’t.

Now you have the key ingredients: a comprehensive list of what you can do and a long list of everything the company needs in a top hire for the role. Your next step is to draw parallels.

If you’re missing key skills for the job, focus on plugging those holes before applying. There’s a big difference between thinking, “I don’t have a degree in the desired field” versus, “It says Advanced Mathematics Degree required and I don’t have one.” Or, “I’ve never formally worked in sales, but my all of my jobs have included raising money and identifying sources for funding” and “I have never sold anything, ever.”

Now all you need is the perfect job—good thing we know plenty of companies hiring right now.

You’ve made it this far. Your experience is unconventional, but you’ve done the research and think you’re a uniquely qualified candidate (as opposed to an unqualified one). There’s one more step before you begin your application: Reach out to your knowledgeable contacts and ask them for honest feedback.

Check in With Someone Knowledgeable Who’ll Tell You the Truth

Someone with insider info can help you see the difference between stretching and being entirely out of your league. Couch it by explaining that your application is a work in progress, and he or she won’t hurt your feelings.

Then, ask these four questions:

“How would you react to a candidate claiming to have these traits?”

“Is there anything on this you don’t believe or that makes you pause?”

“Can you think of any better words to use than the ones I have here?”

“Are there any red flags or gold stars that stand out?”

Now, incorporate the feedback! After all, you don’t just want to apply, you want to get a call back.

Once your application looks ready to go, put your apprehension behind you. Show the hiring manager that you’re the best choice because of your unique background, not despite it.